Maternal depression is the number one complication of childbirth and pregnacy, affecting approximately one million women in the United States each year. Maternal or perinatal depression encompasses a range of mood disorders that can affect a woman during pregnancy, around the time of birth and through the child's first year. Left untreated, maternal depression leads to long-term depression in the mother, a lack of emotional availability for the baby and detrimental outcomes in the development of the fetus, newborn and developing child. There is growing evidence that perinatal depression and anxiety affects fathers and adoptive parents too.

Learn more basic facts about perinatal mental health in Los Angeles County with our helpful INFOGRAPHIC.